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Cincinnati Democrat Connie Pillich expected to leave governor’s race

Former state representative Connie Pillich — the last woman leading a Democratic ticket for governor — is expected to drop out of the race and endorse former attorney general Rich Cordray on Wednesday, sources close to the campaign said.

Pillich, who could not be reached for comment, and her running mate Scott Schertzer are scheduled to make a campaign announcement with Cordray and his running mate Betty Sutton in Columbus.

Pillich, of Cincinnati, is an attorney and Air Force veteran who lost a statewide race for treasurer against Republican Josh Mandel in 2014. In her run for governor, she reported $911,656 in campaign cash on hand — a little less than half of the $2-million the Cordray campaign reported.

Cordray, of Grove City, resigned as head of the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in November so he could return to Ohio for the governor’s race. Sutton dropped her governor’s bid and joined Cordray’s ticket. The other woman in the race, Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, also dropped out and backed Cordray.

In the Republican primary, Attorney General Mike DeWine is facing off against Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor. DeWine won the backing from the Ohio Republican Party state central committee, over strenuous objections from Taylor.